Sport crabbing rules adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2005 have helped slow the catch by the popular fishery, leaving enough crab available to extend the season in some areas through the end of the year, said Rich Childers, shellfish policy coordinator for WDFW.

The crab season has continued uninterrupted in marine areas 4 (Neah Bay), 5 (Sekiu), and 13 (south Puget Sound) since those areas opened June 18. Fishing in those areas will remain open seven days a week through Jan. 2, unless the catch quotas for those areas are reached before then.

Marine areas 7S, 7E, 7N, 8-1, 8-2 and 11 will remain closed for the season. Surveys conducted by WDFW last month indicate the recreational catch in those areas have reached their quotas.